Existing data suggests that fraud is the most costly crime
to society, yet there has been limited academic interest on
improving accurate fraud measurement, and no identifiable
published research on practitioner and academic opinion
on measurement methods and how this process might
be improved to generate a more realistic fraud loss figure.
This book presents collective opinion on the creation of
a standard definition of fraud for measurement purposes,
mandating fraud loss measurement drawing upon empirical
evidence provided by the United States (US) Improper
Payments Information Act 2002, the implementation of
a consistent standard of fraud loss measurement, and the
development of best practice when measuring fraud losses.
The research findings have identified a complacent attitude
towards fraud and associated business risks, defined as
immoral phlegmatism. This publication contributes to the
knowledge by offering solutions to address this phenomenon
within the public, private and voluntary/charitable
sectors. The study conducted is the first of its kind and
the project findings have been used to develop recommendations
on how to improve the accuracy of fraud
loss data through the implementation of the proposed
options for change; creating legislation mandating fraud
loss measurement in the public and private sectors, the
introduction of a British Standard for measuring of fraud,
the development of a knowledge exchange infrastructure,
and a marketing campaign to increase fraud awareness
and associated business risks.